FIGHTING ATTITUDE…HOW TO ACHIEVE IT!
by Erinn Soule
In all my experiences with MMA, Grappling, Jiu-Jitsu and Couch-sitting, I have always heard the same thing over and over again…How to achieve the fighter’s attitude! It may be asked in many different ways, such as, “perfecting your game”, “the edge” or even, “going in for the kill” but it all means the same thing, ATTITUDE!
So is there really such a thing? Can winning competitions time and time again rely on a fighter’s attitude? You better believe it! Your attitude is a large part of how you are going to train, or better yet, how you are going to win. Being on top of your game (as I like to put it) means being physically and mentally ready for a fight. Staying in shape and listening to your body and what it lacks are key points too. There are a few simple tips to guide you in the right direction though, and if followed, should help you gain that desired “edge” that will make you unstoppable with any of your opponents.
KEEP TRAINING
The first tip is to keep training! I have had instructors keep saying to me, “You got to train, you got to keep coming to class” You know what? They were right! Go to class as often as possible. Rain or shine, you just have to get yourself up and out the door. Letting time pass by will not keep you on top of your game by any means. The heart of a fighter is gauged through the determination of the fighter.
You must also train smart. Like the song goes, “No when to hold em, no when to fold em” Training in any style of martial arts, whether it be Jiu-Jitsu, Cage, MMA or Jujitsu. No when enough is enough. Fatigue or injury will not only suck, it will take you off the mat for a long time. Some fighters have been known to have to quit training entirely for up to six months after getting hurt on the mat. Most of the time it was due to over-exertion, fatigue and what I like to call, “brain fog” You know, that feeling of dazed confusion.
The single most important thing you can do as a fighter is to make as much time as possible to train and get as much as possible out of your training time. Eat well, stay in shape and get plenty of rest are key elements to gaining control of the ultimate fighting.
STAYING PHYSICAL
Next, you have to put as much time on improving your physical abilities as you do on your technique. Going to the gym for an hour once a week isn’t going to cut it. Going to train or spar on the mat, calisthenics, weight training, running, stretching and eating right are all important to reduce the likelihood of injuries, as well as improve your game.
I have been told by not one but two instructors that surfing and swimming are two the best things you can do, especially in jiu-jitsu. Pedro Soriano, of Soriano BJJ in San Pedro, says that surfing is great for him and keeping him on top of his game. He has gone as far as to encourage all of his students to take up surfing or swimming. It combines cardio, strength and flexibility. You should swim or surf three or four times a week.
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